Chennai: Facing criticism over the action taken against a Dalit students body, Indian Institute of Technology-Madras on Sunday reinstated Ambedkar Periyar Study Circle (APSC) which had been derecognised for allegedly criticising Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The members of the APSC met the Dean of Students and told him that the guidelines for students meetings were notified four days after the APSC held its controversial meeting.

Union Human Resource Development Ministry had directed IIT-Madras to ban a discussion forum which was critical of the Narendra Modi government.

The Union Human Resource Development Ministry had directed IIT-Madras to act against the discussion forum which was critical of the Narendra Modi government.

APSC was banned from holding the event after the HRD Ministry received an ‘anonymous’ complaint against the event.

The students body was “de-recognised” following an allegation that it was instigating hatred against the Prime Minister, and policies like promotion of Hindi and ban on beef.

IIT-Madras and the Central government received a lot of criticism from the opposition parties for this decision.

Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi had criticised the Modi government for stifling dissent and curbing the fundamental right to freedom of speech and expression.

“The ban imposed by HRD Ministry is a very dangerous step. We also go at these places like Bombay University for speech. This is against the freedom of speech. This is very dangerous, it should be stopped in the beginning,” JDU leader Ali Anwar had said.

Dialogues,debates,criticism,review,study,counter study,arguments,counter arguments,expression of views, being criticical on views these are all the symptoms of democracy. Yes, any ban on a person or anything must have strong logic behind it. For example , for the act of treason by Hurriyat leader for Pakistani flag should be banned or that leader must be punished. Unfortunately this government is sitting idle on this issue but very much being draconian dictator for being critical on Modi. This shows the immaturity of the government as they are still not able to digest the worst defeat in Delhi elections.